Board News:
We are pleased to welcome Pete Smith to our board of directors. Pete – president of a futures brokerage - brings to YSPP finance and previous philanthropic and board experience. Pete has agreed to serve a 3-year term.
Board member Marko Liias, who is a state representative from the 21st Legislative District, was the chief sponsor of a bill that strengthens the anti-harassment strategies in public schools. Congratulations, Marko, for helping to protect kids from painful bullying that can isolate, humiliate and disenfranchise them.
School News:
Kamiakin High School in Kennewick and Orting High School (Pierce County) have been named as this year’s winners of the Trevor R. Simpson Award. They conducted suicide prevention campaigns that reached hundreds of students, resulting in more awareness which led to more students getting help for themselves and their friends. Nice Work!
Marketing of HELP and LLL:
We are working with state and national marketing consultants to increase the visibility and sales of our two health curricula – H.E.L.P. and Look Listen Link. Both consultants have been impressed by the quality of the DVDs and the interactive lessons and are busily identifying key “influencers” who we will use to broaden our reach. Brochures are being designed and we plan to enhance our website as well.
Trainer Survey Results:
YSPP conducted a telephone survey of ASIST and safeTALK trainers in Washington State to better understand the needs of those in the field who are offering and carrying out these trainings. Respondents included 27 military personnel who facilitate workshops on their bases and 13 were “civilian” trainers.
In general the trainers felt confident delivering the curricula and are motivated to continue offering the trainings. The “civilian” trainers are interested in getting some technical assistance to enhance their marketing and recruitment efforts. All trainers – military and non-military – were interested in participating in an on-line network to share information, resources, current statistics and strategies for handling troublesome training situations.
2nd Annual Night of Jazz
Please join us! UW School of Communications intern, Abby Jermasek, has been busy soliciting donations for the Night of Jazz Silent & Live auctions.
DVD Release Party:
Our OUTLoud DVD – “you are not alone” - that was produced in collaboration with Reel Grrls will be showcased to the public on September 21st . The DVD highlights the unique suicide risk factors that GLBTQ youth face and features a dramatic demonstration of how to help a friend.
More details to follow, but save the date!
Imagine receiving a text from a suicidal teen that reads,
“ I am fighting a war all alone”.
YSPP is working hard to make sure that teens like this one understand that there are people who care – that there are people who do not want her to feel all alone with her despair and hopelessness. Won’t you join our fight?